My name is Mrs. D. and I am an author of children's books. Currently, I’m juggling many projects including several new books. I love to write. I love this beautiful language. I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet-A New Children's Book Coming in spring 2018!!

A Beautiful Tribute From My Fans

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

In 1980, the Soviet Union hosted the Summer Olympics in Moscow. Times were different back then. Athletic shorts were shorter. And the posters were… awesome! We’ve dug up a few of these rare specimens for you to flip through, lightly annotated for context. Behold the wonders of their minimal design, awkward tangent propaganda, and bears. Meet Mishka, the Soviet Olympic Mascot, the definitive bear of all of USSR. He’s like Paddington Bear, but he comes in a giant floating balloon. Yeah, take that, London.

Best wishes from MISHKA.Misha dominates all of the pictograms.

“Olympian year — not just for Olympians.” Keep working, comrades.

Give us a good quality work!

Naturally, the international community will respond positively to posters that look like SlavicDECORATIVE TOWELS.

These are “welcome flowers” for the foreign visitors. They are red, naturally.

Names of different countries... Misha is back and he stole several children from different countries.

This is when housing project-style architecture was really, really hot.

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan spurred Jimmy Carter to issue an ultimatum on January 20, 1980 that the United States would boycott the Moscow Olympics if Soviet troops did not withdraw from Afghanistan within one month.

The pros and cons of the boycott were further discussed in several interventions at the 1980 Bilderberg meeting held towards the end of April in Aachen. The debate partly surrounded the perception that the action could be perceived on the worldwide stage as a sentimental rather than a strategic act. An African representative at the event stated that a boycott would be an effective symbolic protest because of its dramatic visibility to the citizens of the Soviet Union, regardless of whether or not the action provoked a response.

The United States was joined in the boycott by some other countries – including Japan, West Germany, China, the Philippines, Argentina and Canada. Some of these countries competed at theOlympic Boycott Games in Philadelphia. Notably, United Kingdom, France and Australia supported the boycott but allowed their athletes to participate if they wished and left the final decisions to participate in the Games to their respective National Olympic Committees and the individual athletes of the countries concerned. The United Kingdom and France sent a much smaller delegation of athletes than usual. Nevertheless, the delegation of the United Kingdom was the largest among Western Europe, with 170 athletes applying to compete.

Spain, Italy, Sweden, Iceland and Finland were other principal nations representing western Europe, though Italian athletes belonging to military corps did not attend the Games, due to the government's support of the boycott, which severely affected many events. Some American-born athletes who were citizens of other countries, such as Italy and Australia, did compete in Moscow.

At the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, athletes from a number of countries, including Australia, Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Puerto Rico, San Marino, Spain, and Switzerland, marched under the Olympic Flag, instead of their national flags, a fact that the Soviet TV coverage alternately ignored. Moreover, although the government of New Zealand officially supported the boycott, four athletes from that country competed independently and marched under their NOC's flag. Altogether, the athletes of 16 countries were not represented by their national flags, and the Olympic Anthem replaced their national anthems at medal ceremonies. As a result, there were a few ceremonies where three Olympic Flags were raised.

Because Montreal mayor Jean Drapeau was unable to travel to Moscow due to the boycott, Sandra Henderson and Stéphane Préfontaine, the final torchbearers at the previous games, were sent in his stead to participate in the Antwerp Ceremony at the opening ceremony, and at the closing ceremony, the Los Angeles city flag – rather than the United States flag – was raised to symbolize the next host of the Olympic Games.

Even though only 80 nations participated, more world records were set in Moscow than in 1976 in Montreal.

Moscow 1980

The Kremlin makes an appearance at the opening ceremony

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was the trigger for the boycott of the Moscow Olympics the following year. Estimates of the impact in terms of numbers vary, and reports suggest some nations used the boycott as a convenient excuse to stay away because of economic issues.Mischa the Olympic bear - the cuddly side of Moscow 1980

The significance has less to do with the quantity of absentees — possibly as low as 45, maybe as high as 60-plus — than with the quality. The United States led the boycott and were supported by Canada, West Germany, Japan, China, Kenya and more.

A total of 80 nations competed — the lowest since 1956 — and some did so under the Olympic flag rather than their own.

So the scene was set for some unfamiliar names to make their mark, and none more so than Zimbabwe. As Rhodesia, the African nation had been banned from the previous two Games. It returned with a new identity, free of apartheid and good enough to win the inaugural women's hockey gold medal, albeit in something of a makeshift competition.

The hosts won at least one gold medal for every sport except hockey, in which India won the last of their men's gold medals, and football, won by Czechoslovakia.

Duncan Goodhew powers to 100m breaststroke gold for Britain

Weightlifting legend Vasily AlekseyevEvery gymnastics medal went to eastern Europe. Nadia Comăneci won two golds and two silvers for Romania in her last Games and there were two golds for Soviet star Nellie Kim. Nikolai Andrianov won two golds, two silvers and a bronze to take his medal total to 15 from three Games, a men's record beaten only by Michael Phelps. His team mate Alexander Dityatin won a medal in each of the gymnastics events, his record of eight medals in one Games again matched only by Phelps.

East Germany won 11 out of 14 rowing golds and all but two of the women's swimming gold medals.

In boxing the Soviets were beaten into second place by Cuba, literally in the case of Téofilo Stevenson, the big-hitter who defeated Piotr Zaev to become the first fighter to win three consecutive heavyweight gold medals. The next boycott, of Los Angeles in 1984, would deny him the chance of a fourth success.

Viktor Saneev came up short in his bid for a fourth consecutive triple jump gold, but there were suggestions it took some dubious "foul" calls against his opponents, by Soviet judges, for the champion to even achieve silver.

Alan Wells (lane eight) wins gold for Britain in the 100m final

Steve Ovett beats Sebastian Coe at 800mWaldemar Cierpinski of East Germany won a second successive marathon. Allan Wells became the first British winner of the 100m since Harold Abrahams in 1924 and two great rivals provided further British success, Steve Ovett at 800m and Sebastian — now Lord — Coe at 1,500m.

Coe gains revenge in the 1,500m

Miruts Yifter, who was denied the chance to improve on his 10,000m bronze in Munich by Ethiopia's boycott of Montreal, returned to win that event and the 5,000m.

There were a number of twin successes. Sergei Beloglazov won freestyle wrestling gold at bantamweight and twin Anatoli conquered the flyweight class. Walter and Ullrich Diessner were members of East Germany's successful coxed four. Their compatriots Jörg and Bernd Landvoigt beat the Soviet twins Yuri and Nikolay Pimenov to win the coxless pairs.

They would be followed by a twin disappointment when the Soviets responded to the American-led boycott of the Moscow Olympics by leading east European nations and a few other sympathisers in their own boycott when the 1984 Games went to Los Angeles.

Top three performances

1-Miruts Yifter (ETH) - Doubled up with golds in the 5000m and 10000m.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

"A family movie night can be a fun way to spend an evening. One of the issues that we have in our family is the 5 year age difference between our children. However, there are some great family classics out there that appeal to the whole crowd."

1. Sound of Music

The Sound of Music offers a love story mixed with tragedy. Captain Von Trapp is the father of seven children and Maria enters their life as the nanny. Through her love of music, Maria wins over the children and Captain Von Trapp. The movie is full of wonderful songs that the whole family will enjoy.

2. Toy Story

All three of the Toy Story movies should make your list of must see movies. The movies follow the adventures of a little boy named Andy’s toys. With fabulous animation and witty lines that parents will appreciate, the films are heartwarming, fun, and offer enjoyment for people of all ages.

3. Finding Nemo

In Finding Nemo, Marlin, an overprotective father clownfish loses his son Nemo. Throughout the movie you follow both Nemo and Marlin through their various adventures. The movie is thoughtful and fun.

4. The Lion King

The Lion King offers the story of a baby lion, Simba, who will one day become the king. However, after his father passes away, his evil Uncle Scar takes over the kingdom and ruins it. Over time, Simba realizes that it is his responsibility to take over the kingdom.

5. Mary Poppins

Marry Poppins offers a wonderful, magical story about two young children who get very little attention from their parents. Mary Poppins takes the children on several wonderful adventures. The movie offers wonderful song and dance numbers that the whole family will enjoy.

6. Shrek

The Shrek movies offer the story of an ogre who rescues a princess and ends up finding true love. All of the Shrek movies are full of humor and fun and offer a unique spin on the classic fairy tale. The film is also very enjoyable for parents, as the story line includes several clever references that adults will find entertaining.

7. The Incredibles

The Incredibles are a family of superheroes, each with their own unique powers. The family is currently “retired” from the superhero business. The movie is what you would expect from a superhero film, offering great action along with well timed humor.

8. Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka is about a little boy named Charlie who wins a trip inside a chocolate factory. The movie is whimsical, fun and full of surprises for the children on the tour. It also teaches children that it is important to follow the rules.

9. E.T.

Elliott, a young boy, discovers an alien who was left behind by his fellow extraterrestrials. The boy and the alien form a bond throughout the movie as Elliott helps E.T. get back home.

10. A Christmas Story

Around the holidays you cannot avoid seeing this wonderful, charming, and classic film. The story is about a boy named Ralphie who has one wish for Christmas, which is to get a Red Ryder BB gun. The film is full of wonderful family fun.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Buffer is a great little app to help you send tweets and posts at optimal times. After you create your account and link your networks (currently Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn), you can choose when Buffer will release posts to each network. When you’re plugging through your reading list you can simply “Buffer” those articles you want to share, and they will be posted on each network when the get to the top of the queue.

Whether your event is free or paid, Eventbrite is a fabulous way to manage it. The app makes it easy to set up an event to accept PayPal and/or credit card payments. There is no “installation” or “set up” fee, making it perfect for the small business that doesn’t want a big credit card system on a monthly basis.

The tool contains lots of features for customization of the event pages, email marketing to confirmed attendees, Facebook integration, and even the ability to scan QR coded tickets with your smart phone at the door. It’s free to use if your event is free. For paid events, the fees are comparable to other online systems.

An easy-to-use tool that helps you find Twitter accounts that are not following you back or are inactive. I’ve used this one to get my follower ratio under control by unfollowing inactive accounts, but it has a range of other features as well.

This is the perfect way to create a quick screencast video for your blog or training sessions. With a five-minute limit, you can be sure you never run long and because it only captures what you do on-screen, you don’t need to worry about your hair.

Long used as a way to share PDF files on websites and blogs, Scribd now has a fabulous Facebook app that enables you to make your PDFs available to your Facebook fans. Use this function to share your menu, free printables, checklists, or a newsletter on your Facebook business page.

Available for many Internet email systems, WiseStamp creates a branded email signature. The free version allows for two signatures, personal and corporate. The best feature is the ability to link up nearly any social network, or even include your latest tweet or blog post title automatically.

Aviary enables you to capture a picture of the screen, edit it, and add comments. It’s perfect for grabbing a screen shot of that comment or tweet you want to save for later use in a presentation, or blog post.

This is another automation tool, but it’s different than everything else you’ve tried. You can create “recipes” to auto-post your favorite authors to a host of social networks, add blog posts containing key words to your Buffer, or even get a text message about tomorrow’s weather (I use that one).

A little known Twitter account that tells you who is unfollowing you on Twitter. Each weekly digest is split into “ex-friends” and “ex-followers.” Don’t use this if you’re going to take it personally each time someone unfollows you. It’s a great tool that I use just to ensure I’m not losing any real-life friends or business contacts.

Most of these tools have a paid upgrade available. If you find a program that works for you, sometimes it’s worth paying for the upgrade, like HootSuite and Prezi, two others I didn’t mention here. Whatever you’re looking for in social media, chances are there is something out there to help you do it, you just need to know what you’re looking for. And hey, there’s a great website that can help you find it. It’s also free, and it’s called Google.

With the myriad tools available to help you with social media, often it’s hard to know which ones to try. People ask me whether there’s “an app for that,” and I love when I can give them the right tool.

Mrs. D's books: 5 Star Readers’ Favorite

Literary Classic Seal of Approval

Mrs.D's Published Books

MRS.D.BOOKS WEBSITE

Who Let the Cookies Out? (Grandma's Cookies Stories)

Not your normal cookies!Who doesn‛t like cookies, especially cookies that willtake you on a tasty but nutty adventure?This delicious story begins in Grandma‛s kitchen when she decides to surprise her grandson‛s pre-K with holiday cookies. But little did she know what a mess her nutty cookies would create at her grandson‛s school. They just can‛t resist being nuts!This scrumptious tale proves the old saying that we‛re all made from the same “dough,” but a few “nuts” can spoil the batch.Brace yourself for a yummy book that will keep your giggles coming with every page you turn!

Baby from the Moon

A perfect book for bedtime snuggles! "Baby from the Moon" is a tale about a single wish - to find a mommy, whom Baby G saw many times in his dreams while living in the sky before his birth. It is a sweet story of the baby boy and his birth that celebrates life, joy, and encouragement, while satisfying the curiosity of young children how they came into this world. A touching journey of the tiny boy, who wants nothing more then to meet his mommy, this is a gentle introduction and inspiration for every child with dreams. A beautiful story and amazing artwork will keep children's imaginations flying from page to page filled with loving twists and turns. Children might discover something surprising about their birth and themselves. A fantastic gift for a new mommy and baby!

WINNERS OF THE READER'S FAVORITE CONTEST!

This was the largest contest ever and competition was fierce. Honored!

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FROM MRS.D.

Parents who want to make the most of storytelling activities with their children should focus on finding books and stories that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Mrs.D.’s colorful and heartwarming children’s books will not only capture a child’s imagination but will also teach children the true meaning of friendship, family, love, and self-acceptance. They will give parents, grandparents, babysitters, and those who love to read an interesting way to spend time together. Mrs.D.Books blog is about the world of children’s books, self-publishing experiences, recommendations and helpful sites for authors, useful posts from a variety of sources about marketing tools, e-books, children’s apps, book trailers, book buzz, how to sell more books, interesting articles about children’s literature, lists of children’s books, news about children’s authors, art, photography, new discoveries, and more. Brace yourself for an unusual journey...Guest bloggers are welcome!

A Taste of Bread -PUBLISHED!

THAT IS HOW THINGS ARE - PUBLISHED!

(Two connected stories) “The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power. “The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet - PUBLISHED!

Who made a mess in the closet? This enchanting story contains an amusing dialogue between the strange occupants of a closet and a curious kitten. Much to its surprise, the nosy kitten finds itself in the middle of a huge disagreement between the black broom and the other occupants of the closet. The blue sponge is sensitive, the purple duster is upset, the red vacuum cleaner is furious, and the black broom cannot rest until she discovers who made the mess. Sneak into a dark closet with a kitten and see who causes mayhem! Was it the silver bucket, the green dustpan, the lost slipper, the sleepy mop, or the old cat that made the mess? Read and reread this story until you find out! This entertaining story may start with a mess, but it ends with children laughing!

PUBLISHED!

These fun rhyming stories introduce young readers to delightful food characters with goofy personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.

PUBLISHED!

What's Going On Inside the Fridge? Story 2

PUBLISHED!

Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? Story 3

THE TREES HAVE HEARTS - MULTI AWARD WINNER!

Poignant and imaginative, this story will easily find a spot in the reader’s heart. The rich storytelling and unforgettable characters add flavor to an already delightful story line. This book opens a surprising imaginary world as seen through the eyes of a child…

GOOD MORNING, WORLD!-Honored for Excellence by the Mom's Choice and Readers' Favorite Awards

Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!

READERS' FAVORITE and MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER!

A Christmas story about sharing and giving. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She’s also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family—until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren’t the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were …

An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

The Royal Palm-Mom's Choice Awards and Readers' Favorite Winner

A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the Royal Palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill - Readers' Favorite International Gold Winner

"The Little Girl Praying on the Hill" is a bittersweet story based on the emotional childhood memories of a young girl determined to understand the purpose for her existence. Growing up in a poor village of the post-World War II era in a country where half the men drink themselves to death by the age of forty, the confused child questions God. The beauty of nature around her animates her and paints the perfect combination of colors, but life in her rundown village, sinking in mud after each rainfall, is a strong contrast. She exists between two worlds: her beautiful imagination and the harsh realities of life. The picture of majestic nature does not fit with the picture that God created for the people he loves. Why did he divide this world so unevenly? Why did he drop her in the wrong place? Her emotions rise to unreachable heights and sink to devastating lows. The gripping beauty of his creation mesmerizes her young mind, but only for a moment before her memories of specific events make her doubt God's intentions.

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CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION_NEW SERIES

Heading your way!A funny stories, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In these vibrant books, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite...

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CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 1_PUBLISHED!

TOO MANY RULES FOR ONE LITTLE MOUSE! Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!

PUBLISHED!CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 2

NOW WE'RE TALKING! Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 3_PUBLISHED!

WHAT'S GOING ON? Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital? What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 4_PUBLISHED

RULES ARE FOR A REASON - More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 5-PUBLISHED!

NOTHING IS SAFE IN A MOUSE'S LIFE - A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 6_PUBLISHED!

IT'S MY LIFE! Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can’t eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk … Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy these books, my little friends! More books on Carlo the mouse are coming in the near future.